Potted Mums’ General Care

Last Updated on October 8, 2022 by Real Men Sow

Blooming potted mums (Chrysanthemum species) adds vibrance and life indoor and outdoor wherever it is placed. Depending on the season and where you live, chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum espp.) can add color to your indoor or outdoor space. Although most chrysanthemums (or mums) bloom in spring, florists may sell varieties that prematurely grows during other seasons. Mums can last many years in their pots if they are taken care of properly. 

Light

Potted mums can be placed indoors next to a window that receives indirect, bright sunlight throughout the day or outdoors where they will receive five hours of sunlight each morning and afternoon. Keep their daytime temperatures at 70-75°F and keep them from being exposed to heat or frost.

Moisture and Watering

It’s important to check their soil moisture every day. When the soil surface begins to dry, water them. Use a watering can to water the soil until the moisture starts to drain from the pot’s bottom. After each irrigation, drain the water from the drip tray.

Cutting/Pruning

After they have wilted, cut off the flowers of mums. This encourages more blooming and keeps plants clean. After the leaves have died naturally, cut them back.

Feeding

When the new growth begins, fertilize the mums in spring. Once a month, water the plants with a balanced, soluble fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 mix. Use the recommended fertilizer rate to dilute the fertilizer in water. Keep fertilizing the plants until their flower buds start to show color.

Pinching

When the stems reach 5 inches in length, remove the tips. From spring through midsummer to the end of summer, continue to pinch them to a height of 5 inches. They encourage bushy growth and flower bud formation by being pinched back. This helps delay the fall flowering.

Things You Will Need

  • Pot with bottom drainage holes
  • Drip tray
  • Thermometer
  • Watering can
  • Shears
  • Soluble, balanced fertilizer
  • Measuring tape or ruler

Pests and Diseases

Mums are not susceptible to many garden pests but can get overcrowded in their pots. Every three years, repot them in a larger container than their current one.

Winter Care

If the temperature drops below 32°F very often, you can leave the potted mums outside in winter. Or, you can overwinter them indoors through indirect sunlight. Water the soil of the mums to prevent it drying completely.

Real Men Sow
Real Men Sow

Hello, I’m Pete and I’m currently based in the west of Scotland, in a small place called Rosneath, where I’m exploring my garden adventures. I personally started gardening around 6 years ago and initially, I started out by growing my favorite fruits and berries, such as strawberries, Raspberries & Gooseberries. Since then I’ve added a lot of vegetables and working closely with my neighbor, it’s been a lot of fun.